Monday´s News

Transport officials decline to give drivers a break

The transport ministry weighed in with its version of modifications of the new traffic law. There were few changes proposed, and the ministry warned motorists that point totals and fines would continue if the version is adopted.

Instead of simplifying the law, the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes proposes to reduce the validity of a driver’s license from six years to, one- to-three years, depending on the violation points the motorist had accumulated.

At the very least, this would mean spending more time in line seeking renewals.

The ministry handed the measure over to the legislature, which can accept or reject the proposals. The legislature is studying the existing law and a series of changes proposed by the lawmakers who left office May 1.

The ministry’s proposal would continue the system of high fines. For example, carrying a child without a special car seat would result in a fine of 381,420 colones plus 50 points. That’s about $736, including tax, and enough points to invalidate the driver’s license for two years.

The ministry noted that some drivers are failing to pay fines in anticipation of changes in the law. The ministry said the fines are drawing interest of 3 percent a month. The ministry’s proposal would provide for a 30 percent discount for drivers who pay their fines in the first month.

Despite the new traffic law, enforcement seems to center on police checkpoints. Many drivers are seen speaking on cell phones while the vehicle is in motion and drivers still consider red lights as advisory.

Word of the Day

Finenoun \ˈfīn\
Middle English, from Anglo-French fin, fine, from Latin finis boundary, end
First Known Use: 13th century1 obsolete:end, conclusion2: a compromise of a fictitious suit used as a form of conveyance of lands3 a:a sum imposed as punishment for an offenseb: a forfeiture or penalty paid to an injured party in a civil action
— in fine: in short

More vocabulary

Discount: n. a reduction made from the gross amount or value of somethingEnforce: n. to carry out effectivelyInvalidate: v. to render invalid; discreditLawmaker: n. a person who makes or enacts lawRenewal: n. the quality or state of being renewedValid: n. having legal efficacy or force

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